For most artists, the Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Introductory Set is the strongest overall choice for a focused palette from an artist-grade line. The Winsor & Newton Winton Starter Set stands out for larger 37 ml tubes, while the Paul Rubens 20-color set offers a wider ready-to-paint palette with 50 ml tubes. The main tradeoff is between a smaller, more focused selection and more colors or paint volume for experimenting. Tube size, pigment quality, and how much control you want over mixing all matter more than the number of colors alone. Read on for the full breakdown of all 13 sets and which one fits your painting habits.
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Key Takeaways
- Artist-grade focus beats raw color count for controlled mixing: Gamblin’s nine-color introductory set is a focused alternative to large collections, though it gives beginners fewer ready-made shades.
- Larger tubes favor sustained practice: The Winsor & Newton Winton Starter Set supplies 10 tubes at 37 ml, while many 12-color-heavy options use smaller 12 ml tubes.
- Twenty-color, 50 ml sets emphasize volume and variety: Paul Rubens and PHOENIX Studio offer more paint per tube than compact sets, but large quantities matter less if the palette does not match your painting needs.
- More colors do not automatically mean more versatility: The 40- and 48-color collections reduce the need to mix every hue, but they can make palette choices and paint use less deliberate.
- Winton appears in several different formats: Its six-tube, 10-tube, and 37 ml starter options suit different levels of commitment, so check tube count and size rather than relying on the line name alone.
| oil paint set for artist | Paint type | Tube size | Brand | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Intr | Oil | 37 ml each | Gamblin | — |
| Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set | Oil-based | 50 ml each | Paul Rubens | — |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Col | Oil | — | Winsor & Newton | Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Cadmium Red Deep Hue, French Ultramarine, Phthalo Blue, Viridian Hue, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Ivory Black, Titanium White |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Col | Oil | — | Winsor & Newton | Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, French Ultramarine, Viridian Hue, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Col | Oil color | 12 ml each | Winsor & Newton | Titanium White, Cadmium Lemon Hue, Cadmium Orange Hue, Cadmium Red Deep Hue, Magenta, French Ultramarine, Cerulean Blue Hue, Viridian Hue, Burnt Sienna, Lamp Black |
| PHOENIX Oil Paint Set | Oil | 12 ml (0.4 fl oz) | — | 24 |
| Magicfly Oil Paint Set | Oil | 18 ml (0.6 oz) | — | 40 |
| PHOENIX Studio Oil Paint Set | Oil | — | — | 20 |
| Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set | Oil | 50 ml | — | — |
| Ohuhu Oil Paint Set | Oil | 12 ml (0.42 fl oz) | — | 24 |
| MyArtscape Artist Oil Paint Se | Oil | 12 ml | MyArtscape | — |
| Castle Art Supplies 24-Color O | Oil | 12 ml | Castle Art Supplies | — |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Col | Oil | — | Winsor & Newton | Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Cadmium Red Deep Hue, French Ultramarine, Phthalo Blue, Viridian Hue, Permanent Green Light, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Ivory Black, Titanium White |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Introductory Set, 9 Colors, 37 ml
For artists who want a focused palette plus a surface to start on, this Gamblin set offers a stronger all-in-one setup than the Winsor & Newton Winton Basic Set, which supplies more colors but no panel. Its nine 37 ml tubes include warm and cool reds and yellows, blue, green, earth colors, black, and white, giving painters useful mixing options without a sprawling selection. The pre-primed birch panel is a practical bonus for a first study or small finished work. The tradeoff is that this set is less suited to someone who wants a broad range of ready-made hues or faster layering: the listed dry time is 168 hours, and the paint is intended for indoor use. I’d choose it for a quality-conscious artist who values the included panel and a considered core palette.
Pros:- Nine colors cover core mixing needs, including both warm and cool reds and yellows.
- 37 ml tubes provide more paint per color than the 21 ml Winton Basic Set.
- Includes a pre-primed birch painting panel.
- Made in the USA, with sustainable production practices described in the product information.
Cons:- The listed 168-hour dry time may slow painters who want to build layers quickly.
- Indoor use is specified, limiting its fit for outdoor painting sessions.
- Nine colors offer less premixed variety than 20- or 24-color sets.
Best for: Artists building a core oil palette who want substantial tube sizes and a pre-primed panel for an immediate study.
Not ideal for: Painters seeking many premixed hues, outdoor use, or a quick-drying set for rapid successive layers.
- Brand:Gamblin
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of colors:9
- Tube size:37 ml each
- Included colors:Cadmium Yellow Light, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Viridian, Ivory Black, Titanium White
- Included panel:Pre-primed birch painting panel
- Dry time:168 hours
- Origin:Made in the USA
Our verdict“Choose this Gamblin set if you want a substantial core palette and a ready-to-use birch panel in one package.”
Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set, 20 Colors, 50 ml Tubes
This set is the volume-focused pick: 20 colors in 50 ml tubes give working artists more paint on hand than the smaller-tube Winsor & Newton Winton Basic Set. That can matter when painting larger canvases, repeating a palette across several pieces, or leaning on a favorite color without rationing it. Paul Rubens describes the paint as creamy and highly pigmented, with smooth blending and enough body to retain brush or knife marks, so the broad color selection is not its only appeal. Its tradeoff is the wait between layers: drying is listed at about 7–14 days, making it a poor fit for artists who need a fast studio workflow. The product is also described as non-toxic and lightfast, but those claims do not make oil paint cleanup or handling care-free.
Pros:- Twenty colors offer more ready-made options than the nine-color Gamblin introductory set.
- 50 ml tubes provide generous quantities for frequent or larger-scale painting.
- Creamy linseed oil-based texture is described as suitable for blending and visible brush or knife marks.
- Described as lightfast and non-toxic, with canvas and painted wood panels listed as suitable surfaces.
Cons:- The stated 7–14-day drying range can slow layered painting.
- Large tubes may be more paint than occasional painters need to manage or store.
- The product information does not list the individual colors in the set.
Best for: Artists painting regularly on canvas or wood panels who want many colors and substantial quantities in each tube.
Not ideal for: Painters with limited storage, those needing small trial quantities, or anyone relying on quick drying for layered work.
- Brand:Paul Rubens
- Paint type:Oil-based
- Number of colors:20
- Tube size:50 ml each
- Surface recommendation:Canvas and painted wood panels
- Lightfastness:Described as excellent
- Dry time:About 7–14 days
- Full cure time:7 days
Our verdict“Pick Paul Rubens if tube volume and a broad working palette matter more to you than faster drying or compact storage.”
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Basic Set, 10 x 21 ml Tubes
The Winton Basic Set makes sense for a student or practicing painter who wants a familiar, mixable selection without stepping up to premium-grade pigments. It includes 10 colors in 21 ml tubes, with both earth colors and several useful blues, plus black and white. Compared with the six-color Winton Introductory Set, it gives you more room to mix varied subjects; compared with the Gamblin set, the tubes are smaller and no panel is included. Winton’s lightfast, permanent colors can be intermixed with one another and with other brands, which helps artists add to the palette over time. The main compromise is explicit: these are moderately priced pigments, not the premium pigments used in higher-grade lines. I’d treat it as a practical practice set, not a shortcut to the richest pigment selection.
Pros:- Ten colors provide more mixing flexibility than the six-color Winton Introductory Set.
- Lightfast and permanent colors suit work intended to retain its appearance.
- Colors can be intermixed with each other and with other brands.
- ASTM D4236 conformity is specified.
Cons:- Moderately priced pigments are a step below premium pigment formulations.
- 21 ml tubes hold less paint than the Gamblin 37 ml set and Paul Rubens 50 ml set.
- No panel or other painting surface is included.
Best for: Students and practicing artists who want a compact, mixable traditional palette and plan to expand it with other brands.
Not ideal for: Artists prioritizing premium pigments, large tubes, or an included painting surface.
- Brand:Winsor & Newton
- Paint type:Oil
- Set size:10 tubes
- Tube volume:21 ml each
- Total volume:210 ml
- Colors:Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Cadmium Red Deep Hue, French Ultramarine, Phthalo Blue, Viridian Hue, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Ivory Black, Titanium White
- Lightfastness:Lightfast and permanent
- Safety standard:Conforms to ASTM D4236
Our verdict“Choose the Winton Basic Set for a dependable student palette that is easy to mix and extend, rather than premium pigment strength.”
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Introductory Set, 6 x 21 ml Tubes
Among the sets here, this is the clearest choice for painters who want to learn color mixing with a small, purposeful group of paints. The six 21 ml tubes focus on useful primaries and earth colors rather than offering many premixed shades. That makes it simpler to see how colors interact, though it asks for more mixing than the 10-color Winton Basic Set and offers less variety than the nine-color Gamblin set. Winton describes these paints as having good coverage and tinting strength, useful qualities when a small palette has to stretch across different subjects. The tradeoff is a lower pigment load than Winsor & Newton’s Artists’ Oil Color line, and the set is explicitly not water resistant. I’d pick it as a modest entry point, not as a high-pigment upgrade.
Pros:- Six versatile colors keep the starting palette focused and manageable.
- Good coverage and tinting strength help the paints stretch across studies.
- Includes both earth colors and key hues for mixing.
- The 21 ml tubes offer more paint per color than the 12 ml Winton set.
Cons:- Six colors require more mixing and provide fewer ready-made options than the 10-color Winton Basic Set.
- Lower pigment load than Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Color.
- Listed as not water resistant.
Best for: Beginning oil painters who want a small, manageable palette for learning to mix colors before adding more tubes.
Not ideal for: Artists who need a broad range of ready-made colors, premium pigment load, or water-resistant paint.
- Brand:Winsor & Newton
- Paint type:Oil
- Set size:6 tubes
- Tube volume:21 ml each
- Colors:Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, French Ultramarine, Viridian Hue, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber
- Dry time:15 hours
- Finish:Matte
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“Choose this six-color Winton set if you want to learn oil-paint mixing with a compact palette and can accept student-grade pigment strength.”
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Set, 10 Tubes
This Winton set keeps the color count at 10 but shrinks each tube to 12 ml, making it a compact way to try a broad starter palette without committing to larger quantities. Its selection includes useful hues such as magenta, cerulean blue hue, and cadmium orange hue alongside earth colors, black, and white. The slightly stiff, uniform consistency is a plus for painters who want brush or palette-knife marks to remain visible; it differs from Paul Rubens’ creamier, blending-focused description. The cost of that compact format is limited volume: the Gamblin introductory set supplies 37 ml per color, while this set offers just 12 ml. The product also calls for compatible solvents, mediums, and oils, and is not water resistant, so it is less suited to painters seeking a water-based routine.
Pros:- Ten colors cover a broad starter range in a compact 12 ml tube format.
- Stiff, uniform consistency retains brush and palette-knife marks.
- Pigments are selected for lightfastness and permanence.
- The color list includes magenta, cerulean blue hue, and cadmium orange hue as well as core earth colors.
Cons:- 12 ml tubes provide less paint per color than the 21 ml Winton Basic Set and 37 ml Gamblin set.
- Not water resistant.
- Best used with compatible solvents, mediums, and oils, which may not suit painters seeking a simpler setup.
Best for: Artists with limited studio storage who want a compact selection for textured studies and visible brush or knife strokes.
Not ideal for: Frequent painters who use large quantities of paint or artists seeking water-resistant paints or a solvent-free setup.
- Brand:Winsor & Newton
- Paint type:Oil color
- Number of colors:10
- Tube size:12 ml each
- Total volume:120 ml
- Colors:Titanium White, Cadmium Lemon Hue, Cadmium Orange Hue, Cadmium Red Deep Hue, Magenta, French Ultramarine, Cerulean Blue Hue, Viridian Hue, Burnt Sienna, Lamp Black
- Dry time:168 hours
- Full cure time:12 days
Our verdict“Pick this compact Winton set if you value mark-retaining paint and a varied palette more than generous tube volume.”
PHOENIX Oil Paint Set, 24 Colors, 12 ml Tubes
The PHOENIX 24-color set suits artists who want a thick, creamy paint for blending and visible brush or palette-knife work without moving up to large tubes. Its 24 colors give beginners and returning painters a useful range, while the stated lightfastness and certifications add reassurance for studio use. Compared with the Ohuhu 24-color set, this one is the clearer fit for slower, more deliberate layering: the supplied information does not promise a 24-hour dry time, and its oil paint is described as slow drying. That extended working time helps with blending, but it can delay finishing or varnishing. Coverage is listed as moderate, so artists painting large areas may use paint quickly. It also offers less volume per color than the 50 ml PHOENIX Studio set.
Pros:- 24 colors provide a flexible starting palette
- Thick, creamy consistency supports blending and textured marks
- Described as highly saturated and resistant to fading
- Suitable for canvas, oil color pads, wood panels, and other surfaces
Cons:- Slow drying can extend the time between painting stages
- Moderate coverage may require more paint for broad areas
Best for: Beginners and intermediate painters who want a varied palette and time to blend thick oil color on canvas or wood panels.
Not ideal for: Artists who need fast project turnaround, strong coverage across large canvases, or generous quantities of each color.
- Paint type:Oil
- Colors:24
- Tube size:12 ml (0.4 fl oz)
- Total volume:10.08 fl oz
- Suitable surfaces:Canvas, oil color pads, wood panels, and other painting surfaces
- Coverage:Moderate
- Certifications:EN 71 and ASTM D-4236
Our verdict“Choose this set for a broad palette and workable, textured paint, but pick the PHOENIX Studio set if you need larger quantities per color.”
Magicfly Oil Paint Set, 40 Colors, 18 ml Tubes
Magicfly is the standout here for artists who want the widest ready-to-use color selection in this batch. Its 40 shades include metallic gold and silver, and extra white tubes are useful for tinting and mixing—practical advantages over the 24-color PHOENIX and Ohuhu sets. The 18 ml tubes also hold more paint per color than those smaller sets, though they cannot match the 50 ml tubes in the PHOENIX Studio or Paul Rubens sets. The creamy texture is described as easy to blend, making the range appealing for students, hobby painters, and teachers who want options without mixing every shade from scratch. The tradeoff is a limitation explicitly listed in the specs: the paint is not water resistant. I would not choose it for work that needs water-resistant paint.
Pros:- 40 colors offer more ready-made choices than the 24-color sets
- Includes metallic gold and silver
- Extra white tubes support tinting and mixing
- 18 ml tubes provide more paint per color than 12 ml options
Cons:- Paint is listed as not water resistant
- Tubes hold less paint per color than the 50 ml sets
- The description does not specify drying time or lightfastness
Best for: Students, teachers, and hobby painters who want many colors, metallic accents, and extra white for mixing.
Not ideal for: Artists who need water-resistant paint or prefer fewer colors in much larger tubes for sustained work.
- Paint type:Oil
- Colors:40
- Tube size:18 ml (0.6 oz)
- Included components:Paint and packaging box
- Surface recommendation:Canvas
- Special feature:Non-toxic
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
- Finish type:Metallic
Our verdict“Pick Magicfly when color variety and metallic accents matter more than water resistance or large-volume tubes.”
PHOENIX Studio Oil Paint Set, 20 Colors, 50 ml Tubes
For artists who paint often, this PHOENIX set prioritizes paint volume over color count: 20 colors come in 50 ml tubes, adding up to 33.8 fl oz. That is a substantial step up from the 12 ml PHOENIX and Ohuhu sets, where frequent painters may run through favorite shades sooner. Its thick, creamy consistency supports both direct application and blending with mediums, so the larger tubes suit sustained canvas or panel work. The tradeoff is a narrower palette than Magicfly’s 40 colors, and the included shades are not identified in the supplied description. That makes it harder to judge whether the selection fits a specific palette before buying. Slow drying is typical of the oil paint described here, so this is less suited to artists working on tight timelines.
Pros:- 20 colors supplied in generous 50 ml tubes
- 33.8 fl oz total volume suits frequent painting
- Thick consistency supports direct application and blending
- Described as fade resistant and suitable for multiple surfaces
Cons:- The individual colors are not specified in the description
- Fewer colors than the 40-color Magicfly set
- Slow drying can hold up later stages of a project
Best for: Regular studio painters who use substantial amounts of paint and want large tubes for canvas, wood, or paper.
Not ideal for: Artists who need a clearly listed color selection, a large number of ready-made shades, or quick-drying paint.
- Paint type:Oil
- Colors:20
- Tube volume:50 ml (1.69 fl oz) each
- Total volume:33.8 fl oz
- Consistency:Thick and creamy
- Finish:Matte
- Suitable surfaces:Canvas, wood, paper, and other painting surfaces
- Certifications:EN 71 and ASTM-4236
Our verdict“Choose PHOENIX Studio for generous paint quantities per color, not for the broadest or most clearly documented palette.”
Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set, 20 Colors, 50 ml Tubes
Paul Rubens is the choice in this group for painters who want marks to remain visible rather than leveling into a smoother surface. Its creamy oil color retains brush strokes and palette-knife marks, while the stated strong coverage can help each application read clearly on canvas or wood panels. Like the PHOENIX Studio set, it offers 20 colors in 50 ml tubes, but Paul Rubens gives more specific information about drying time: 7–14 days. That is useful when planning layered work, though it still asks for patience compared with a product described as drying in 24 hours, such as Ohuhu. The set is listed as non-toxic, but its surface guidance is narrower than PHOENIX Studio’s. Artists seeking a large selection of premixed shades may also prefer Magicfly’s 40 colors.
Pros:- Retains brush strokes and palette-knife marks
- Fine-pigment paint is described as vibrant and strongly covering
- 50 ml tubes provide substantial volume per color
- Listed as non-toxic
Cons:- Stated drying time is 7–14 days
- Surface compatibility is specified for canvas and wood panels only
- 20 colors offer fewer ready-made options than Magicfly’s 40
Best for: Painters who work on canvas or wood and want creamy paint that preserves brush and palette-knife texture.
Not ideal for: Artists working to short deadlines, painting on a wider range of surfaces, or seeking more than 20 colors.
- Paint type:Oil
- Color count:20
- Tube size:50 ml
- Surface compatibility:Canvas and wood panels
- Container type:Tube
- Finish:Matte
- Special feature:Non-toxic
- Drying time:7–14 days
Our verdict“Choose Paul Rubens for visible, expressive paint texture and large tubes, provided its 7–14-day drying time fits your workflow.”
Ohuhu Oil Paint Set, 24 Colors, 12 ml Tubes
Ohuhu makes a practical entry point for artists who want a 24-color oil set with basic accessories: a brush and palette are included, so a beginner can start mixing without sourcing every tool separately. Its 12 ml tubes offer the same stated total volume as the PHOENIX 24-color set, but Ohuhu lists canvas and paper as recommended surfaces and gives a stated 24-hour dry time. That timing distinguishes it from the slow-drying PHOENIX options, though buyers should follow the product’s own directions for actual working and drying conditions. The paints are described as rich and smooth, with ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 standards listed. One caution: the source description inconsistently calls the set watercolor, so I would verify the packaging and product listing before purchase. It is also not water resistant.
Pros:- 24 colors provide a useful starter palette
- Brush and palette are included
- Listed for canvas and paper
- ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 standards are specified
Cons:- Paint is listed as not water resistant
- 12 ml tubes provide less paint per color than the 50 ml sets
- The source description inconsistently refers to the set as watercolor
Best for: New painters who want a compact color range plus a brush and palette for getting started on canvas or paper.
Not ideal for: Artists who need water-resistant paint, large tubes, or fully consistent product information before ordering.
- Paint type:Oil
- Colors:24
- Tube size:12 ml (0.42 fl oz)
- Total volume:10.08 fl oz
- Surface recommendations:Canvas and paper
- Included components:Brush and palette
- Dry time:24 hours
- Safety standards:ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3
Our verdict“Choose Ohuhu for a beginner-friendly 24-color kit with accessories, but confirm the product details if oil-paint labeling is a concern.”
MyArtscape Artist Oil Paint Set, 48 Colors, 12 ml Tubes
Forty-eight colors make this MyArtscape set the widest ready-to-use palette among these three picks. That range suits artists who want to try different hues without mixing every shade from a small starter selection. The 12 ml tubes keep each color relatively compact, though, so painters who work in large areas or use paint heavily may run through favorites sooner than with the Winsor & Newton Winton set’s 37 ml tubes. MyArtscape describes its paints as richly pigmented, smooth-blending, and lightfast, with a glossy finish—useful qualities for building layered color and keeping finished work vibrant. Its stated drying time is about 24 hours, so it is not a quick-drying choice. I’d pick it for palette breadth, not bulk paint volume or a water-resistant finish.
Pros:- 48 colors provide more ready-to-use hues than the 24-color Castle Art Supplies set.
- Rich pigments and smooth blending support mixing and layered painting.
- Lightfast colors are described as resisting fading.
- Gloss finish offers a brighter surface appearance.
Cons:- 12 ml tubes hold substantially less paint per color than the 37 ml Winsor & Newton Winton set.
- Stated drying time is about 24 hours.
- Paint is not water resistant or waterproof.
Best for: Artists who want many ready-made color options for experimenting, detailed work, or varied palettes, and are comfortable with smaller tubes.
Not ideal for: Painters who use large quantities of a few core colors, need water-resistant paint, or want faster drying.
- Brand:MyArtscape
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of colors:48
- Tube size:12 ml
- Recommended surface:Canvas
- Finish:Gloss
- Stated drying time:24 hours
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“Choose MyArtscape if palette breadth matters more than tube size, but opt for Winsor & Newton Winton if you need more paint in each color.”
Castle Art Supplies 24-Color Oil Paint Set, 12 ml Tubes
This Castle Art Supplies set pairs a 24-color palette with a guide booklet, tutorial leaflet, tester sheet, and presentation box, giving new oil painters more direction than the MyArtscape set, which offers twice as many colors but no listed learning materials. The 12 ml tubes make it a compact way to explore blending and layering without committing to a large palette, while the smooth consistency is intended to help with both techniques. Its lightfast pigments are another plus for paintings meant to last. The tradeoff is volume: artists who settle on a small group of frequently used colors may prefer the Winsor & Newton Winton set, whose tubes are larger at 37 ml each. This paint also has a stated 24-hour drying time, so it won’t suit painters seeking rapid turnaround.
Pros:- Includes a guide booklet, tutorial leaflet, and tester sheet to support practice.
- 24 colors offer a more focused palette than MyArtscape’s 48-color selection.
- Smooth consistency is designed for blending and layering.
- Lightfast pigments are intended to resist fading.
Cons:- 12 ml tubes provide less paint per color than the 37 ml Winsor & Newton Winton tubes.
- Stated dry time is 24 hours.
- The paint is intended for canvas, with no water-resistance claim provided.
Best for: Beginners who want a manageable color selection plus printed guidance and practice materials for learning oil-painting techniques.
Not ideal for: Experienced painters who need larger quantities of staple colors, or anyone seeking quick-drying or water-resistant paint.
- Brand:Castle Art Supplies
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of colors:24
- Tube size:12 ml
- Total volume:9.73 fluid ounces
- Recommended surface:Canvas
- Stated dry time:24 hours
- Included accessories:Guide booklet, tutorial leaflet, tester sheet, presentation box
Our verdict“Pick Castle Art Supplies for a guided introduction to oil painting; choose MyArtscape for more color choices or Winton for larger tubes.”
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Starter Set, 10 × 37 ml Tubes
For artists who use substantial amounts of paint, the main advantage here is straightforward: ten 37 ml tubes supply more paint per color than the 12 ml tubes in either the MyArtscape or Castle Art Supplies sets. The palette covers useful mixing foundations, including French Ultramarine, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, and Titanium White, while the stated covering power and tinting strength help those colors go further when mixing. This is a student- and amateur-oriented set, rather than the pick for maximum hue variety: MyArtscape supplies 48 colors, and Castle Art Supplies adds beginner materials. The Winton set’s listed dry time is 168 hours, much longer than the 24 hours stated for those two options, so it suits painters willing to work at a slower pace.
Pros:- 37 ml tubes provide more paint per color than the 12 ml MyArtscape and Castle Art Supplies sets.
- Ten assorted colors include useful mixing pigments and earth tones.
- Good covering power and tinting strength support color mixing.
- Formulated for student and amateur artists.
Cons:- Ten colors offer a narrower ready-made palette than the 24-color Castle Art Supplies or 48-color MyArtscape sets.
- Listed dry time is 168 hours, longer than the 24-hour claims for the other two picks.
- Lower pigment load than Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Color.
Best for: Students, amateur painters, and artists who repeatedly use core mixing colors and want larger tubes for sustained studio work.
Not ideal for: Painters who want a broad assortment of ready-made hues, short drying times, or a higher pigment load than this student-oriented line offers.
- Brand:Winsor & Newton
- Paint line:Winton Oil Color
- Paint type:Oil
- Tube count:10
- Tube volume:37 ml each
- Colors:Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Cadmium Red Deep Hue, French Ultramarine, Phthalo Blue, Viridian Hue, Permanent Green Light, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Ivory Black, Titanium White
- Stated dry time:168 hours
- Finish:Matte
Our verdict“Choose Winton if you need larger tubes of core colors for regular painting, but select a smaller-tube set for more colors or a shorter stated drying time.”
How We Picked
I compared these sets by the factors that change the painting experience: paint-line positioning, color range, tube size, and palette usefulness. A compact set can rank well when its range supports learning to mix, while a larger set needs to justify its extra colors with practical value for painters who want more hues ready to use. I also weighed whether the set seems better suited to regular studio work, a first oil-painting setup, or a portable collection.
The ranking favors usable paint and a clear buyer fit over color count alone. That puts the Gamblin introductory set ahead for artists prioritizing an artist-grade line and a mixing-focused palette, while larger Winton, Paul Rubens, and PHOENIX sets appeal to buyers who value tube volume or breadth. Sets with many small tubes can be convenient for exploring colors, but they rank lower for painters who need a steady supply of their most-used paints. The two Paul Rubens entries are the same listed product, so they should not be treated as separate choices.
| oil paint set for artist | Brand | Paint type |
|---|---|---|
| Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Intr | Gamblin | Oil |
| Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set | Paul Rubens | Oil-based |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Col | Winsor & Newton | Oil |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Col | Winsor & Newton | Oil |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Col | Winsor & Newton | Oil color |
| PHOENIX Oil Paint Set | — | Oil |
| Magicfly Oil Paint Set | — | Oil |
| PHOENIX Studio Oil Paint Set | — | Oil |
| Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set | — | Oil |
| Ohuhu Oil Paint Set | — | Oil |
| MyArtscape Artist Oil Paint Se | MyArtscape | Oil |
| Castle Art Supplies 24-Color O | Castle Art Supplies | Oil |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Col | Winsor & Newton | Oil |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Oil Paint Set For Artists
Choosing an oil set is less about finding the biggest box and more about matching paint quality, palette, and tube quantity to the way you work. These broader points can help you judge any set on the list, including options with similar color counts but different tube sizes.
Choose a palette you can actually mix
A set with fewer colors can teach stronger mixing habits, while a large assortment gives you more premixed hues at hand. Think about whether you want to learn how primary colors, earth colors, and whites combine or spend less time mixing each passage. A large range can include colors you rarely use, so count useful pigment choices rather than just tubes. Check that the palette covers the subjects you paint: landscapes often benefit from earth colors, while portraits may need a practical range of skin-tone mixing options. Beginners may prefer a balanced palette over dozens of similar shades. Experienced painters may favor fewer dependable colors they can replenish individually.
Compare tube volume with the way you paint
Tube size changes how long a set lasts, but total volume alone does not tell you whether it is a good fit. Painters who work on large canvases or apply paint generously can use small tubes quickly, especially for white and other frequently used colors. Smaller tubes make sense for testing a new medium or trying colors you do not expect to use often. Before buying, check whether every tube is the same size; a stated tube count can hide meaningful differences in volume. A larger set may seem convenient but can leave you with excess paint if you paint occasionally. Consider how often you can replenish colors individually after the starter tubes run out.
Match the paint line to your expectations
Oil paint lines can differ in pigment selection, consistency, and intended audience, so a set marketed for students may not behave like an artist-grade range. That difference matters when you want predictable mixing, strong color, or consistency across a series of paintings. A student-oriented set can still suit practice and early exploration, particularly if you are learning brush control and oil-painting methods. Do not judge quality from packaging or color count alone; check the product’s stated line and available pigment information. If you plan to build a long-term palette, favor a line with individual colors you can replace. Paying more for a line you will use consistently can make more sense than buying a broad set you quickly outgrow.
Plan for solvents, mediums, and cleanup
A paint set is only one part of an oil-painting setup. You may also need brushes, a palette, painting surfaces, and a suitable method for thinning or cleaning paint, depending on your technique and studio rules. Beginners sometimes spend their entire budget on a large paint assortment and then lack the tools to use it comfortably. Check what is actually included rather than assuming a set comes with accessories. If you want to avoid solvent use, research solvent-free painting and cleanup practices before choosing a routine. Set aside space for safe storage and follow the paint and medium labels for handling and disposal.
Decide whether a starter set or refillable palette fits
A boxed set is convenient for beginning or refreshing a palette, but artists with established habits may get more from buying individual colors. Starter collections can include colors that do not become regular choices, and those unused tubes tie up space and materials. If you are new, a set lowers the effort of selecting a first palette and lets you learn which colors you reach for. If you already know your preferred pigments, compare the set contents with your current palette before adding duplicates. Think about replacement availability as well as the initial assortment. A smaller set plus a few individually chosen colors can be a better match than a large set chosen only for its count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gamblin introductory set a better choice than a larger 24- or 40-color set?
It can be a better fit if you want to work from a focused palette and mix your own colors. A larger collection gives you more ready-to-use hues, which can be handy for quick studies or exploring different color families. It does not automatically provide better paint or more useful mixing options. Compare the set’s line, specific colors, and tube sizes rather than treating color count as a quality measure. Choose Gamblin for a more deliberate palette; choose a broader set if immediate variety matters more.
Should I choose 37 ml or 50 ml tubes over smaller tubes?
Choose larger tubes when you paint often, work at a larger scale, or use certain colors heavily. The Winton 37 ml set and the 50 ml Paul Rubens and PHOENIX Studio sets offer more paint per tube than sets built around 12 ml tubes. Smaller tubes can be a sensible way to sample a broad range without committing to large amounts of every color. Compare which colors are included and how frequently you expect to use them, since an oversized tube of an occasional color may not be useful. Tube size is a supply decision, not a direct measure of paint performance.
Are student-oriented oil paints suitable for finished artwork?
They can be suitable for finished work, but the choice depends on your standards for color strength, consistency, and permanence. Student-oriented lines are commonly aimed at practice and accessible studio use, while artist-grade lines may offer a different pigment range and behavior. If you are preparing work for sale or a long-term project, check the manufacturer’s pigment and permanence information for the specific colors you plan to use. A set label alone does not tell you how every color performs. Try a small number of colors before committing your full palette to a line.
Do I need a 20-color or larger set to start painting in oils?
No. A smaller, balanced palette can cover many subjects when you are willing to mix colors. A larger set may make the first sessions easier by providing more premixed hues, but it can also make it harder to learn how colors relate and may leave some tubes unused. Base the decision on whether you prefer convenience or mixing practice. Also check tube size: a large count of small tubes may provide less paint per color than a compact set with larger tubes. Start with the range that fits your painting goals, then add individual colors as you find gaps.
Why are there two Paul Rubens entries, and should I compare them as different sets?
Both listings describe a Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set with 20 colors and 50 ml tubes, so the supplied details do not identify two distinct options. Treat them as the same set unless a seller listing shows a different formula, color selection, or packaging. Check the exact product contents before ordering, since similarly named listings can vary by region or bundle. The relevant comparison here is with other large-tube sets, such as PHOENIX Studio, and with smaller-tube collections. Do not count the repeated entry as an additional palette choice.
Conclusion
For the best overall, I’d choose the Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Introductory Set for its focused artist-grade positioning. The best value for frequent painting is the Winsor & Newton Winton Starter Set, whose 10 tubes at 37 ml prioritize usable volume. For a beginner who wants a wider selection ready to use, I’d look at a 20- or 24-color set, then check tube size and paint-line details before choosing. The best premium-leaning pick in this group is Gamblin for artists who value an artist-grade line over a high tube count. If your specific need is maximum variety, consider the Magicfly 40-color or MyArtscape 48-color set; if it is larger tubes across a broad palette, compare Paul Rubens and PHOENIX Studio. Pick by palette and paint volume first, then use the product reviews to settle on the set that matches your work.
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